The Charlotte Hornets made headlines this week when reports emerged that they have received permission to interview Sacramento Kings assistant coach Lindsey Harding for their vacant head coaching position.
If hired, Harding would become the first female head coach in NBA history.
Lindsey Harding’s Coaching Background
Despite being just 39 years old, Harding has quickly established herself as an up-and-coming coach.
She began her coaching career in 2015 as an assistant with the Toronto Raptors‘ summer league team.
After a stint with the Philadelphia 76ers as a pro scout and player development coach, Harding was hired by the Sacramento Kings in 2019.
She spent three seasons as an assistant coach under Luke Walton, Alvin Gentry, and Mike Brown in Sacramento before being named head coach of the Kings‘ G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings, before this season.
It proved to be an inspired hire, as Harding led Stockton to the G League’s best record and was named the 2024 G League Coach of the Year.
Lindsey Harding’s Playing Career
Before transitioning to coaching, Harding enjoyed a successful professional playing career both in the WNBA and overseas.
After a standout career at Duke University, she was selected by the Phoenix Mercury with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft.
She played for five different WNBA teams over nine seasons, averaging 9.8 points and 4.0 assists per game.
Harding also played professionally in Turkey, Russia, Lithuania and Belarus.
She represented Belarus at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Why the Hornets Coaching Job is Open
The Hornets job became available when Steve Clifford, who has coached the team for the past three seasons, agreed to move into a front-office role as the team’s new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations.
Clifford amassed a 143-121 record during his Charlotte tenure.
It’s a pivotal offseason for the Hornets, who have missed the playoffs in each of the past six years.
All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball is eligible for a rookie extension while high-scoring forward Miles Bridges will be a restricted free agent.
Finding the right head coach to maximize the Hornets‘ talented young core is crucial as the franchise looks to build a contender around Ball and potentially Bridges.
Other Coaching Candidates for the Hornets Job
While Harding may be the frontrunner and decisively has the most unique background of any candidate, she has some stiff competition for the Hornet‘s job.
Charlotte has also received permission to interview five other assistants currently employed by NBA teams:
- David Adelman – Denver Nuggets
- Jordi Fernandez – Sacramento Kings
- Charles Lee – Boston Celtics
- Kevin Young – Phoenix Suns
- Jay Larranaga – Los Angeles Clippers
Larranaga, who has spent the last three seasons working under Tyronn Lue in Los Angeles, is said to be a serious candidate as well. The 49-year-old also interviewed for the Hornets job back in 2018 when the team hired James Borrego.
What the Hornets Want in Their Next Coach
Charlotte‘s new front office executive Jeff Peterson has made it clear that player development is a priority for the franchise’s next head coach. With young cornerstones like Ball and Miller in place, the Hornets want someone who can help turn their high-upside talent into perennial All-Stars.
“Player development is going to be big for us,” Peterson said.
“We’re in a youthful phase…A lively energy [and] excitement to teach these guys is one of the key things we’re looking for [in a coach].”
Harding‘s proven track record of connecting with and elevating young players, both with the Stockton Kings and on previous NBA coaching staff, likely makes her an ideal fit for what Charlotte is seeking.
Sources:
basketballforever.com/2024/04/09/could-hornets-soon-hire-nbas-first-ever-female-head-coach
www.cbssports.com/nba/news/hornets-to-interview-lindsey-harding-jay-larranaga-for-vacant-head-coaching-position-per-report/
